Macellaio Italian Steakhouse, Soho There are countless Italian restaurants in London, but only a few stand out. Located on Shaftesbury Avenue, Macellaio Soho outlet is right in the middle of the theatre district and is well worth the visit. The Italian steakhouse specializes in dry-aging meat, and you immediately notice its selection of cuts proudly displayed in glass fridges. Apparently, most produce is sourced by the Italian owner himself, who has traveled across the Italian landscape to find the best Italian producers. The menu emphasizes the exceptional meat, after all, macellaio is the Italian word for butcher. Yet fish is also showcased here too, including salmon, tuna, and hake. We began by sampling some delicious Italian small plates and starters, before moving on to the meat by weight. Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant Among the many rooftop bars in London, there is one that should be at the top of your list. On top of The Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square, Aviary - Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar offers a stunning view of the city. Drinking, dining, and relaxing, it has fast become the hottest new spot in the capital for seeing and being seen. The rooftop destination attracts a trendy and affluent crowd who come here for socializing, relaxing and enjoying delicious food and drink. This is the perfect place for after-work drinks and memorable sun-soaked romantic dinners. Inside Aviary, you'll find a relaxed, brasserie-like atmosphere with a modern take on Art Deco - the restaurant is on one end, the bar is on the other. A place like this isn't one where you talk quietly. There are a mix of city dwellers and techies as well as after-work drinkers and diners, and the background sounds lively and buzzy. With the main course menu, you'll find appealing dishes for every taste and budget, like the Longhorn double beef burger and steak fries. Among the fancier dishes are roast chicken with black garlic puree, wild mushroom and chestnut Wellington, and our favourite, duck breast with grilled duck hearts and ginger carrot puree. In terms of fish, there are salt cod and fennel fishcakes, North Atlantic cod with mussels, and pan-fried Brixham sea bream with king scallops. During the summer, it's a popular place to enjoy the warm evenings on the terrace. However, it is just as appealing on darker Autumn and winter nights, when you and your friends can enjoy special drinks and snacks in one of the cozy glass igloos. www.montcalmcollection.com/montcalmroyal-london-house/restaurant/aviary The server produces a wooden board for inspection after you choose your steaks - almost like selecting wine with a sommelier. There's a nice bit of theatre here, and it becomes apparent that its customary at Macellaio. As promised, the steaks lived up to their billing and were as good as we have had in a long time. Should you have the space, there is a wide selection of side dishes to choose from. There is a decent wine list, unsurprisingly full of deep Italian reds that complement the steak and we had a memorable dessert wine to finish things off. In Macellaio, you'll find outstanding meats and well-executed Italian classics that are sure to please. It's in a great location and the service is friendly and efficient. www.marcellaiorc.com Amazing Destinations 163
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